Northern Illinois needs to improve in all three phases. The Huskies had their 28-game home stadium winning streak snapped with a 34-17 loss to Central Michigan. The Chippewas also ended NIU’s string of 24 straight regular-season MAC wins.
Offense: C-
Drew Hare completed 18 of 33 passes for 231 yards and 2 TDs. But the Huskies were limited to 17 points for the second straight week. NIU averaged 42 in its first three games. The Huskies managed 110 rushing yards, their lowest total this season. Receiver Juwan Brescacin tallied both of NIU’s TDs.
Defense: D
Central Michigan’s Thomas Rawls rush for 270 yards, and the Chippewas doubled NIU’s time of possession. NIU entered the game leading the MAC in third-down efficiency (51 of 91 for 56 percent), but it converted only 4 of 14 (29 percent) against CMU. Linebacker Michael Santacaterina had his third career interception and returned it 35 yards.
Special teams: C+
Tyler Wedel made a 24-yard field goal but missed a 39-yarder late in the game.
Coaching: C
Rod Carey and his staff continue to try to make adjustments on offense and defense, but they have not been successful in recent weeks.
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